Chomp by Carl Hiasson

Not realizing this was going to be such a funny book I was quite surprised to find myself smiling and laughing throughout! It will be impossible to watch reality TV without questioning the scenery and dialogue and wondering just what is real and what isn't. Although the book is long it will grab reluctant readers (especially boys) with it's non-stop action, sense of adventure and (rather mild) aspects of danger. The relationship between Wahoo and his Dad is so loving and hearfelt. The book makes me think that perhaps Julie (Wahoo's sister) has a story to be heard and for sure I would like to know more about Tuna. However none of this distracts from a very satisfying ending.

Recommended for fans of Carl Hiassen, adventure books, animal stories and action books. There is also a small romance thread. Reluctant readers could easily be drawn in especially if they enjoy any of the above situations. I won't be surprised to see this made into a movie someday. Read as an eBook arc courtesy of Random House Children's Books via Netgalley.

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk by Megan McDonald

As a big fan of Stink and Judy Moody books I was not surprised to find that I loved this book.  What I was surprised about was that it was scary!  Not in a bad way, in a good way.  My students are always asking for scary books and now I can point them in the direction of Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk.  This can also serve the purpose of introducing them to Megan McDonald's wonderful books and terrific characters.

The word play is fabulous.  The illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds are awesome and help move the story along.  There is enough humor to offset the scary parts.  The siblings relationship is authetic and the parents offer just enough support.  Recommended for fans of Judy and Stink or readers new to these books, students asking for scary books, second graders and up and reluctant readers.  Every school library should have this one and it's on my wish list!  Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Candlewick Press via Netgalley.

Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart

Olivia Bean lives with her mom, almost step-dad and little brother.  Each evening she watches Jeopardy! and does amazingly well against the other contestants.  She used to watch the show with her dad but he ran off with her best friend's mom and her best friend.  With the opportunity to try out for the kids Jeopardy! Olivia Bean wants to win not only for the money and the glory but also for the chance to fly to Los Angeles where her dad lives.

Sadly, Olivia Bean's dad is one disappointing parent.  Luckily her step-dad is the complete opposite.  He and her neighbor give her the help and guidance that she needs and I held my breath when the possibility of the dad ruining everything nearly happened.  This is a terrific story about a smart girl, an adorable little brother, love and friendship.

While reading Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen I felt as if she was one of my students.  Flashback about seven years ago when one of my students was on Jeopardy!  I knew how hard she had studied and I knew how proud her sister, parents, teachers and friends were.  We were all even invited to a party to watch the show.  Needless to say I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it to fourth graders and up.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Random House Children's Book via Netgalley. Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen will be available March 13, 2012.

Up Dog by Hazel Hutchins

How many ways can you use the word up?  That is what I thought of as I read this book.  "Open up" the door, "dig up" the bone, get all muddy and "mess up" the house, etc.  Young children will love the mess the dog makes and may even understand why the pup is put in the pen ("pen up") as a punishment while the owner has to "clean up."  The illustrations by Fanny are colorful and adorable and will keep children entertained.  While this is a board for toddlers I can see pre-schoolers and even kindergartners enjoying reading this book.  Once they know how to read the word UP the charming illustrations will help them decipher the other words and understand  the different uses for the words.  I can also see this book used with ELL's.  A great addition to a baby's growing library.  Read as an ebook arc couretsy of Annick Press via Netgalley.

Time Voyage by Steve Brezenoff

Books about the Titanic have always been popular in my school libraries.  And as 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic a new crop of books are being published.  Steve Brezenoff, author of Brooklyn Burning for YA's and The Field Trip Mysteries series for elementary schoolers has penned a new series for elementary set.  Entitled Return to Titanic, Time Voyage is the first book in this series and thanks to Capstone via Netgalley I was able to read an arc of this first title.

Tucker and his best friend Maya are spending spring break helping Tucker's mom sort through items from the Titanic for a museum exhibit.  While handling a boarding pass for passage on the ship they are transported back in time to the day before the voyage begins.  Befriending a boy their age named Liam, set to sail on the doomed ship, they attempt to prevent him and his family from embarking.

Brezenoff has written a page turning adventure that is sure to appeal to youngsters.  The chapters are short with cliffhanging endings.  Each chapter begins with a map showing where the kids are (2012 or 1912) and some other illustrations.  Readers will also enjoy the back matter and will be begging for the next 3 books as soon as they are done with this one.  Recommended for those interested in the Titanic, fans of time travel and adventure stories grades 2 (strong readers) and up.

Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl

Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl is a fictionized account of Beryl Markham's childhood growing up in British East Africa. She was raised by a native tribe as much as by her father, learned to hunt and fight with the young boys who will grow up to be warriors, trained horses, avoided formal education, was attacked by a lion, and was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean from England to North America.
 
Journal entries and news articles preface each chapter giving us a glimpse into the adult Beryl and her flight. The majority of the book however is about her childhood and what an amazing childhood it was.  Written beautifully, Michaela MacColl's words help us visualize what this part of Africa looked liked as British settlement began in the early 1900's. The boarding school scenes are quite funny. While her relationship with her father was strained at times it was obvious that they loved each other. Beryl Markham is an example of strong female who grew up with a dream and succeeded in making that dream a reality.  Recommended  highly for those who enjoy historical fiction, books about Africa or someone looking for a strong female character. 
 
Read as an ebook courtesy of Chronicle Books.

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

Sasha lives in the USSR with his father in a communal apartment with 47 other people.  He has dreamed of becoming a Young Soviet Pioneer all his short life and serving Stalin whom he worships.  Then one night his father is arrested and slowly everything Sasha knows, loves and believes in begins to crumble. 

Written to be accessible to young readers this is a look into the Cold War that just might send readers looking for more.  Heavily illustrated and printed in a format that reluctant readers will be also be drawn to.
As an adult I can only wonder how anyone survived this time period.  Eugene Yelchin won a 2012 Newbery Honor for BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE and I am glad he did otherwise I am not sure I would have read this book.  Recommended for middle graders that enjoy historical fiction.

Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins

Hank lives in Brooklyn with his sister, parents and new invisible friend, Inkling. No one else knows about Inkling although Hank often mentions he has an invisible friend! Struggling with a school bully and a best friend moving away Inkling has arrived just in time to help Hank get through fourth grade. While I don't think the adults helped Hank deal with the bully readers will learn why some kids become bullies and will perhaps wish for their own imaginary friend.

This humorous book will appeal to a wide audience. The Invisible Inkling would be a good introduction of the fantasy genre for young readers or for fans of Jordon Sonneblick's Dodger books and the Stink books by Megan McDonald. Reluctant readers will enjoy it and the illustrations by Harry Bliss. Recommended for 2-5 grades.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Harper Collins via Netgalley.

Jennifer Lawrence : Star of The Hunger Games by Katherine Krohn

From a young age Jennifer Lawrence knew she wanted to act.  With determination, supportive parents and talent she is now on the brim of becoming world famous as Katniss in the soon to be released movie THE HUNGER GAMES based on the book by Suzanne Collins. 

In this biography Katherine Krohn gives us a glimpse into Jennifer's life.  What stood out to me was the way Jennifer prepared for auditions.  For instance instead of dressing up and being made up she showed up to the Katniss audition a wreck from a long flight and no sleep!  The book is infused with photographs that readers will pour over.  The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and fans of THE HUNGER GAMES will clamour for it.  Every library should have this book as it is going to be a bestseller (I don't predict that often).  It's on my wish list for my library!

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lerner Publishing Group via Netgalley.

A Full Moon is Rising by Marilyn Singer

]
As a fan of Marily Singer, especially MIRROR MIRROR : A BOOK OF REVERSIBLE VERSE I am not surprised to find that I loved A FULL MOON IS RISING.  So much so that not only did I read the book a few times I also listened to Marilyn Singer read her poems aloud.  What a treat.  The illustrations by Julie Cairns are bright and colorful and meld well with the poetry.  After finishing the book I felt like I had traveled the world.  Recommended for libraries needing to spruce up their poetry sections and for readers interested in the moon and/or for multil-cultural collections. A gem of a book.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Lee & Low books via Netgalley. A FULL MOON IS RISING is now available.

Penderwicks on Gardham Street by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks are a family of four daughters, a loving father and a very caring aunt.  In this sequel to THE PENDERWICKS:A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy, Jeanne Birdsall once again writes a charming piece of contemporary fiction.  In this book, Mr. Penderwick begins dating and the girls do all they can to ruin his chances of finding someone new to love.  There is a new neighbor with a young son, sisters swapping homework, romance and more in this charming book recommended for middle graders.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

It is 145 years after the fourth World War in New Beiijing. Cinder is a cyborg and a mechanic well known for fixing androids, netscreens, hovercars and more. Her stepmom and one of her stepsisters are relentlessly mean to her while the other stepsister is her friend. By chance she meets the prince when he needs his android repaired. Sadly, the emperor is dying as are thousands of other people as a plague unyet curable sweeps across the nation.


Science fiction is not usually a genre that I am drawn to. However, once I started Cinder I could not put it down. It was hard not to visualize Iko and the other androids looking like R2D2 from Star Wars. The feelings developing between Kai and Cinder did not feel rushed. I love the fact that Cinder couldn't blush.

Cinder will take her place along side other strong and intelligent female characters such as Katniss, Katna and Kat. While part of me would have liked the story tied up and over with I will patiently wait for book two in The Lunar Chronicles and most likely books three and four. Marissa Meyer style of writing is appealing and quick paced. Loved it!

Cinder is a YA book I would recommend it for even the younger end. Science fiction fans would enjoy it as well as those that enjoy (very fractured) fairy tales. There is enough romance to appeal to girls that enjoy romance but are willing to try something different.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via Netgalley. Cinder is now available from your favorite bookseller.

The Sneezy Wheezy Day by Sharon Cramer

At first glance THE SNEEZY WHEEZY DAY looks like a book written for pre-schoolers.  After reading it though it's apparent that it's aimed at an older audience.  The vocabulary is sophisticated with great words such as deduced, admirably and peered.  The illustrations are charming and bright and colorful and children will enjoy the hidden surprises.  THE SNEEZY WHEEZY DAY begs to be read aloud to get the full benefit of the rhymes.  The humor in the story will also be noticed more by older children and I admit to laughing aloud at some of the suggested remedies especially Grizzly Old Bear telling Boy cougar to shave his own body!  Not just a story about being sick, this is also a story of love between siblings.  Recommended for kindergarteners and up and for sharing in a group or with your child/children.

Read as an ebook arc courtesy of B&F Publishing via Netgalley.

Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt

A few years ago I introduced Scaredy Squirrel to the students in my school library. The book became an instant hit and as each new Scaredy Squirrel adventure unfolded I could barely keep up with the demand. Fast forward three years and I am in a "new" school library. Open Road offered me the opportunity to read the original Scaredy Squirrel as an ebook. Within a few days I purchased and added two copies to my school library collection. Once again, Scaredy Squirrel checks out as fast as it is returned. Whether it is the adorable illustrations or the story that delights, students are drawn to it. From first grade to sixth it is one of my most popular and most requested books. Needless to say the other Scaredy Squirrel books are now on my wish list.

Thank you Open Road via Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to be reacquainted with Melanie Watts's wonderful book via ebook and therefore sharing it with my students. Recommended for a home library whether in print or digitally and for every elementary school library.

2012 Caldecott Medal Announced

Each year the American Library Association awards a Caldecott Medal to the best illustrated children's book published the previous year.  This year's winner is A BALL FOR DAISY by Chris Raschka.  The story unfolds visually as there are no words!  This week I shared the book with students in kindergarten through fifth grade.  I enjoyed them telling the story aloud page by page or just watching it using their imaginations and ahhing and oohing in all the right places. 
 
A beautiful book for kids of all ages and for dog lovers.  Congratulations to Chris Raschka on his second well deserved Caldecott medal.

2012 Newbery Medal Winner

Jack Gantos wrote JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY which I have been recommending to students, boys especially as a very funny piece of contemporary fiction.  Gantos's latest book
DEAD END IN NORVELT was named the recipient of the 2012 Newbery Medal.  Check back soon for my review (it is on the top of my TBR pile.)

2012 Children's Book Awards Announced

On Monday January 23 the world of children's and young adult literature listened as the American Library Association announced the winners of the 2012 Youth Media Awards.  For a complete list of the winners click here.

I am thrilled that UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall won the Pura Belpre Author Award.  The Pura Belpre awards honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books.  My review for UNDER THE MESQUITE is here.

Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators that won honors, medals and recognition.

Pie by Sarah Weeks

As a fan of Sarah Weeks I was not surprised that I totally enjoed PIE.  With delicious recipes starting each chapter, it's humor in the cat inheriting the pie crust recipe, mystery surrounding said inheritance, friendship, romance (kiddie romance), and relationships it was quite a full yet quick read.  I am on my way to set up a display right now with PIE, THE TEASHOP GIRLS and THE SECRET INGREDIENT by Laura Schaefer (see reviews below) and another new book THE CASE OF THE MISSING DEED by Ellen Schwartz.  For fans of mysteries, cooking or friendship stories PIE is a terrific book.

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Written in free verse Under the Mesquite is the story of Lupe and her family not only dealing with her mother's illness and death but it is also a view into the life of Mexican-Americans.  Wanting their children to have a good education and a better life than possible in Mexico, the family moves to a border town in Texas although they visit their relatives often.  We learn about the move, the birth of more siblings, the dad working far away, the siblings relationships, the mom's illness and the aftermath of her death.  The writing is beautiful and sprinkled with spanish words and phrases.

Since I now work in a school with many native Spanish speaking students I have already introduced this book to some students.  Many have never read a book written in this style and between that and the Spanish they are lining up to check it out.  Recommended for 5th grade and up.

Read it as an arc courtesy of Lee & Low Books via Netgalley.

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything by Uma Krishnaswami

Dini is an 11 year-old Indian American girl living in the U.S.  She and her best friend Maddie love Bollywood movies and Dolly Singh, the biggest Bollywood star.  When her doctor mom receives a grant to work in India, Dini is sad to leave Maddie but excited to spend two years in India.  Her goal?  To meet Dolly in person.

 Uma Krishnaswami has written a story that will appeal to young girls who love movies, adventure, traveling, puzzles and stories of friendship.  She plants clues to things going on around different Indian cities/villages which seem plausible to help tie the story together.  Dini creates a screenplay hoping to fix her problems and those of others.  A fun read for middle grade girls.

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

Told in short poems Planet Middle School explores so many themes it's hard to believe the book is only 154 pages and a delightfully quick read.  Joylin is a tomboy and an awesome basketball player.  She tries to teach her artist younger brother to play in the hope that their dad will notice him more.  She's dealing with her body changing against her will and her best friends (one a boy, one a girl) are trying to make her understand she's still the same person.  She's experiencing her first crush.

This book is recommended for girls in grades 6 and up.  Reluctant readers will be drawn to it's quick pace and easy to read style while appreciating Nikki Grimes' understanding of what tweens/young teens are going through.  I laughed and cried and loved it from the opening poem to the closing one.

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris

  After saving a damsel in distress from a dragon, Sir Gawain the Undefeated does not accept the thanks the damsel offers him. King Arthur informs him that was quite rude behavior.  As the story proceeds Sir Gawain's life is put in danger by a Green Knight while at the same time he is learning about codes of honor, friendship and courtesy.

Stories about King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table have always enthralled me.  As a matter of fact one of my top 25 favorite books is Meg Cabot's AVALON HIGH.  In THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GAWAIN THE TRUE, the third book in Gerald Morris's The Knights' Tales series, while for a much younger audience then AVALON HIGH does not disappoint.  As a matter of fact it made me smile with it's subtle humor and clever storyline.  The illustrations by Aaron Renier are charming. A great introduction for young readers to King Arthur's court.  Recommended for readers in grades 3 and up (or 2nd grade strong readers) who enjoy the knights or are  looking for something new.

Hidden by Helen Frost

When she was 8, Wren was in a car at a gas station (her mom ran in to pay for gas and a drink) that was stolen during a robbery. Hiding in the back the driver never knew she was there and she stayed hidden for two days in his garage. The man's daughter, Darra, also 8, discovered Wren and left her food and planned to help her. Wren overhears the abuse Darra and her mom receive from the dad. Wren manages to escape and Darra always wonders how and blames Wren for her dad going to jail. Six years later the two girls meet face to face for the first time in a sleep-a-way summer camp. At camp, Wren and Darra take turns telling their story.

Helen Frost has crafted an amazing work of fiction. Told in two voices the first being Wren's in free verse. Darra's is written in a form that Frost devised herself. You read about this in a "notes on form" section at the end. Then, you need to reread part of the book to see what she has "hidden" for us to help understand even more of the story. That is what takes this from a very good book to an amazing piece of work.

Recommended for readers who enjoy novels written in free verse or are looking for something new. Recommended for reluctant readers as the story moves along at a nice pace and is only 145 pages. While it is contemporary it could also pass for adventure if your readers are looking for something in that genre. It is truly a remarkable book.

Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder

 At first it seems this is going to be a just a story about a 12 year-old girl dealing with her parents' separation.  Rebecca's mom packs up her up and her little brother Lew and leaves their dad and Baltimore to move in with Gran in Atlanta.  Needless to say Rebecca is sad about a new school, missing her friends and Dad and is angry with her mom.  However, a magical bread box found in Gran's attic grants Rebecca's wishes for money, jewelry, and gifts but it takes a while for Rebecca to realize the truth about the magic.

Laurel Snyder digs dip into the feelings and emotions of a 12 year-old.  The magic adds a fantasy element to the story but at it's core Bigger than a Bread Box is contemporary fiction about a girl dealing with more than 12 year-olds should have to deal with.  The love Rebecca feels for Lew is admirable and we can only hope Rebecca's  true wishes are granted as we close the last page of this wonderful book.  Recommended for readers in grades 4-8, fans of fantasy such as Half Magic by Edward Eager and contemporary fiction or dealing with parental separation/divorce.

Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick

Marley's parents are separated and she is spending the summer with her dad in his new house. Since money is tight he takes on summer jobs gardening( he is a teacher during the school year) and gets Marley a job babysitting twin 5 year-olds. Her two BFF's begin excluding her from their lives and her mother doesn't answer her phone when Marley calls. The twins are a handful and it is interesting to see Marley use her own life experiences to entertain them, help them deal with their 5 year-old issues and ultimately come to enjoy their company. The friendship/budding romance between Jack and Marley is innocent and sweet. My favorite part though is Marley realizing just how poorly her BFF's treated her and that maybe it is time for new friends.

In Water Balloon the author explores friendships among young girls, the relationship between a daughter and her father, dandelions, babysitting, and first crush. Audrey Vernick does a great job in all aspects in this easy reading story for middle grade girls. Recommended for fans of contemporary fiction and girls asking for romance.